Petrino close to making defensive staff hire for Razorbacks
There was a big shakeup on the Arkansas football coaching staff between Sunday and Monday, as head coach Sam Pittman was dismissed on Sunday and three key defensive staffers were let go on Monday morning.
Defensive coordinator Travis Williams, co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson and defensive line coach Deke Adams were the staff members who were let go. Assistant defensive line coach Chris Wilson has taken the interim defensive coordinator spot, while Che Hendrix will coach the safeties.
During the press conference on Monday, Petrino hinted he’s working on making another hire from outside the program, and that he may be close to finalizing it during the SEC Teleconference on Wednesday.
“I’m working hard on it,” Petrino said. “We’ve been working on it for a couple days. I think I got the guy I want, but I haven’t got the stamp (of approval), yet, but working hard on it.”
Wilson splitting time with defensive line, linebackers
One position group that lost its coach in the wake of Williams’ firing was the linebackers. Wilson’s experience has him working with the defensive line, but Petrino said he’s also splitting time with the linebackers. Graduate assistants are helping Wilson out with the linebackers, as well.
“We’ve got a couple young guys that have been working (coaching defensive line),” Petrino said. “Obviously coach Wilson is splitting some time between the D-line and the linebackers. We’ve got two young graduate assistants that are helping him, so right now between the two positions we got three guys and him overseeing it.”
Rush defense has been an issue for the Hogs this season, and Petrino said run fits was something they are emphasizing this week. That means the linebackers and defensive line have actually been working together a lot this week as well.
“Sometimes it’s really good to meet together with the front and the linebackers,” Petrino said. “One of our huge things that we’re working on right now is our run fits, so the ability to install that, watch the video, see how it all works together is not a bad thing. It’s kind of a good thing to have them all in the same room and go through those run fits.”
The Razorbacks are in the midst of a bye week before they hit the road to travel to Knoxville, Tennessee, to play the Volunteers on Oct. 11.
